How to Propagate Bamboo Stalks

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How to Propagate Bamboo Stalks

Overview

Bamboo is a fast growing, hardy type of grass. Bamboo comes in clumping varieties and non-clumping varieties. Use a large buried container when you plant non-clumping bamboo to prevent it from taking over. Both kinds of bamboo are easy to propagate; once divided and replanted they will grow quickly. Bamboo makes an excellent natural screen at the edge of a property line or in front of a window. The long stalks and delicate green leaves add an exotic touch in a cold northern climate.

Step 1

Using a sharp shovel dig up a clump of bamboo. It should be about 1 foot around and 1 to 1 ½ feet deep. This will insure that you get enough of the root for propagation.

Step 2

Separate the root ball into several small parts by pulling or cutting it apart. For successful propagation you need a section of the root and a section of the stalk together. A 2-inch wide piece is ideal for propagation.

Step 3

Choose several planting pots that have drainage holes in the bottom. Prepare the pots by filling them half full with potting soil and a little fertilizer. A standard grass fertilizer works well.

Step 4

Hold a section of the bamboo root and stalk in one of the planting pots so that the base of the stalk is 1 inch lower than the rim of the pot.

Step 5

Fill in under and around the bamboo roots and up to the base of the stalk. Pat down firmly and water thoroughly.

Step 6

If you prefer you can plant sections of bamboo directly into the ground. Dig several small holes and place sections of bamboo in each at the same depth as if you were planting in a pot.

Things You'll Need

Sharp shovel

Planting pots

Grass fertilizer

Potting soil

Scissors

References

Conventional Methods of Bamboo Propagation

Propagating Bamboo

Keywords:
bamboo, grass, propagating bamboo

About this Author

Pricilla Bell has been a freelance copywriter and journalist for five years. She has studied herbal and alternative medicine with noted herbalist Susan Parker. Pricilla Bell is currently pursuing a degree from Boston University. Bell has been working with Demand Studio since March 2009 writing articles about herbal and alternative medicine.